In accordance with rules provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the State of Colorado has instituted regulations to identify any potential water connections of members of a public water system that could result in contamination of the water system if it is connected to uses that make the water no longer potable. This situation can result from a cross-connection on the members’ property. Common cross connections include sprinkler lines, hot tubs, wells, cisterns, pools and fire suppression systems.
Under certain conditions the unintended reverse flow of fluids can pass through a cross-connection and could potentially contaminate the drinking water distribution system presenting an immediate health risk to those using the property and neighbors. Cross-connections within buildings cannot always be avoided but they can be controlled. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment requires public water systems to control cross-connections at all applicable service connections through various assemblies and methods. Cross-connections are typically controlled via the use of air gaps, check valves and backflow prevention assemblies.
The Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulation 11 requires that your water provider (Hondius) ensure that an adequate backflow prevention assembly is installed at the service connection or at the point where a cross connection is created. Please note that the Colorado Revised Statutes 25-1-114 (1)(h) do not allow anyone to install, maintain or permit an uncontrolled cross-connection that is connected to a drinking water system that supplies water to the public. Any identified cross-connections must be controlled in accordance with the Colorado Primary Drinking Water Regulation 11. The identified cross-connection must be controlled within 120 days of discovery. If the cross-connection cannot be controlled within 120 days the water provider (Hondius in this case) must be notified. Please note that the installation of assemblies or method within a building’s water supply may require the member using water from the Hondius system to obtain a plumbing permit from the jurisdiction having authority or the State of Colorado Plumbing Board.
In 2023, a survey was provided to all members and returned to Hondius to identify cross-connection issues. If no cross connections were identified on a particular property, no further procedures were required; however, if cross-connections are added or later identified by a property owner, they need to notifiy Hondius immediately. If a cross-connection exists at your property, Hondius monitors the issue and will be in contact with you to inspect the cross connection for proper backflow prevention. Backflow prevention devices require inspections annually at the expense of the property owner and are required to be provided to Hondius.